Kirsten Sokom Named Shareholder at Crow Shields Bailey
After more than a decade of service, leadership, and commitment to quality, Kirsten Sokom has been named a Shareholder at Crow Shields Bailey. In this interview, Kirsten reflects on her career path, professional milestones, leadership philosophy, and the relationships that have shaped her journey.
What is your favorite thing about working at CSB?
I get joy out of working with our clients. Every client is different, and every engagement is different. Not knowing what is around the corner or what you might be working on next week keeps the work interesting and meaningful.
There are several clients I have worked with since I first joined the firm 12 years ago. Being able to build those long-term relationships over that time is something I am really proud of.
Can you share a memorable experience or challenge from your journey in the accounting profession?
Between 2019 and 2024, the accounting profession experienced significant change, particularly from an audit perspective. We were navigating new accounting standards back to back, including revenue recognition, lease accounting, and credit losses.
Looking back, that period was pivotal in my career. I had to dive in, gain a deep understanding of the standards, and develop the technical expertise needed to guide clients through those changes. That experience ultimately helped prepare me to step into the quality management partner role when Colleen retired.
Were these typical updates, or larger-than-usual changes?
They were much larger than standard updates. I was especially involved with the lease accounting standard. We met with local banks to walk through how financial statements and disclosures would change, and we even hosted a seminar for our audit and assurance clients that was very well attended.
That experience was not only technical, but it also helped me develop presentation skills. Getting in front of a large group and explaining complex accounting changes is something you do not always get to do day to day, and it pushed me professionally.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself as a staff member?
I would tell myself to develop relationships earlier in my career.
In the first half of my career, I truly believed I could do everything on my own. It was not until I reached the manager level that I realized that mindset was not sustainable. I am the oldest of three, the first in my family to go to college, earn a master’s degree, and pursue a professional certification. I was very used to relying on myself and pushing forward.
What I eventually realized is that at CSB, you are part of a team. You do not have to do everything alone. While I had spent years building strong client relationships, I later recognized the importance of cultivating internal relationships with our team as well.
I would encourage students, interns, and those early in their careers to show up, have conversations, and build connections. In a world that is increasingly digital, those interpersonal skills can truly set you apart and serve you well throughout your career.
Outside of work, what are some of your passions or hobbies?
I love to travel. My family and I enjoy traveling internationally, and when we stay domestic, we are working our way through the national parks. We like to mix it up and keep things balanced.
Our kids are four and seven, and they are great travelers. I even rope my son into helping plan trips, narrowing down destinations and being part of the process. It makes travel more fun and meaningful for all of us.
What aspect of the accounting industry excites you the most right now?
There is a lot of discussion in our profession about AI and automation, and I am very curious to see where it all goes. It is an exciting time, and while not every tool will stick, the impact is here to stay.
At the firm level, we are already seeing benefits on the tax side, and from an audit perspective, we are evaluating tools and preparing for what comes next. I believe we are on the precipice of something really impactful.
What qualities make an accountant successful?
Curiosity is key. Being comfortable asking questions when something does not look right is essential.
Attention to detail is also critical, as it directly impacts the accuracy and quality of your work. Lastly, integrity matters deeply. From an audit perspective, professional skepticism and objectivity are fundamental. We are serving the public interest, and that responsibility must always come first.
What qualities make a successful leader?
Curiosity still plays an important role, especially when it comes to vision and growth. Leaders should be willing to ask questions and think forward.
Equally important are the ability to listen, ownership, and follow-through. Understanding that responsibility ultimately rests with you is a key part of leadership.
What professional achievements are you most proud of?
Pursuing and completing the CPA exam is a major milestone for me. I began taking the exam during my final semester of my master’s program and passed all four parts on the first try. Having those three letters behind your name opens doors and creates opportunities that make a real difference.
Another milestone was becoming the quality management partner for the audit and assurance practice following Colleen’s retirement. Quality is something we take great pride in at CSB, and being trusted with that responsibility means a great deal to me.
And of course, being named Shareholder is the most meaningful achievement. I am incredibly proud to have earned the confidence of the shareholder group and grateful for the mentors, teachers, and family who supported me along the way.
When did becoming a Shareholder become a goal for you?
When I first entered public accounting, becoming a shareholder was not necessarily the goal. I chose public accounting because I wanted variety and challenge.
It was probably around year eight or nine that those conversations began with my mentor, and I realized it was a very real possibility. From there, it became something I worked intentionally toward.
How do your personal values align with CSB’s values?
One of CSB’s core values is family, and that resonates deeply with me. As a working mother of two young children, being able to integrate work and life matters.
I am grateful for the flexibility to be present for school pickups, class events, and family time. It is not a perfect balance, but CSB has allowed me to pursue a meaningful career while being present for what matters most outside of work.
Looking back, how would you describe your path to Shareholder?
I joined CSB in 2013, when the firm was much smaller. Early in my career, I had exposure to audit, tax, and client accounting work. That broad experience gave me a strong foundation and perspective.
Over time, I began focusing more heavily on audit and assurance, and later became more involved in quality management, working closely with Colleen before her retirement. Having the opportunity to shadow her and learn the role firsthand gave me confidence stepping into that responsibility.
That progression, combined with exposure across multiple areas of the firm, has helped shape how I serve clients and lead today.
How did you originally choose accounting as a career?
Accounting was not a family profession for me. In high school, I initially wanted to be a certified financial planner, but graduating in 2008 during the recession shifted my thinking.
I took a bookkeeping class, worked at a local CPA firm one summer, and later worked in grants and contracts accounting while in college. Those experiences confirmed that accounting was the right path for me.
I joined CSB after meeting the team through Meet the Firms and a series of interviews. Looking back, every step along the way helped prepare me for where I am today.